Julian Costello & Vertigo at Bulls Head Jazz Club

Tenor and soprano saxophonist and composer Julian Costello presents his magnificent album 'Julian Costello & Vertigo', where he debuts a new band with a set of compositions that combine contemporary jazz and world music in an intoxicating blend. With 'Vertigo', Costello brings together leading musicians from the UK and beyond, and in doing so creates an ensemble with a unique sound. The lineup features drummer Sophie Alloway and Natalie Rozario on cello alongside the guitar and oud of Stefano Tsourelis. Alongside Julian's own tenor and soprano this gives the saxophonist a marvellous tonal palette to work from....

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Tenor and soprano saxophonist and composer Julian Costello presents his magnificent album 'Julian Costello & Vertigo', where he debuts a new band with a set of compositions that combine contemporary jazz and world music in an intoxicating blend. With 'Vertigo', Costello brings together leading musicians from the UK and beyond, and in doing so creates an ensemble with a unique sound. The lineup features drummer Sophie Alloway and Natalie Rozario on cello alongside the guitar and oud of Stefano Tsourelis. Alongside Julian's own tenor and soprano this gives the saxophonist a marvellous tonal palette to work from.
From Sophie Alloway's drum intro to 'Sorry But No' interest is aroused and when joined by double bass and the gentle swell of Tsourelis's electric guitar it is obvious something special is going on. Enter the cello of Natalie Rozario and the hairs stand up on the back of the neck. With quiet drama Costello enters on tenor with a sound that seems to just float over the ensemble with a lyricism and tone that is breathtaking. Thankfully, after such a strong opening number, Costello backs this up with ten original compositions that keep the music moving in a highly melodic way that bring out the unique sound of each of the musicians individually and as a collective. Their album was listed in the top ten albums of 2024 by Jazzviews and the group was featured performing three live tunes on BBC Radio 3's Intune programme. "The unusual blend of instruments is consistently beguiling but it’s the quality of Costello’s writing, and particularly his gift for melody, that ensures that this is an excellent album…." - Jazz Mann

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